Letter from the Urso family

During this most difficult journey in our lives, we would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to all the wonderful people associated with the Columbus Crew from the Hunts to their loyal fans. While our pain continues, the support, help, memorials, words of encouragement, and far too many other things to mention helped and are still helping us adjust to our life without Kirk. He opened a world to us that we didn't realize we had by those whom he came in contact with. We couldn't have asked for a classier club to be associated with. Everyone from the top down are special people. We also want the fans to know that when you come to watch the Crew play, you are watching the most wonderful group of guys, but you are also supporting a club that realizes while soccer is their purpose, there is more to life. We are comforted in knowing that Kirk sat in the team locker room with teammates, coaches and staff who had hearts of gold. I wish everyone could have known Kirk the way we did. He was a unique, inspiring individual who seemed to bring people together, and he accomplished this to the end. He was so looking forward to getting healthy and trying to work his way back on the field. Thanks again for making him a part of your family and giving him a chance.

We would also like to thank the entire MLS community, coaches, players, former teammates, referees, and fans who paid tribute to Kirk whether it be by coming to his hometown and paying their respects to him, posting videos, wearing arm bands, having moments of silence or other memorials. He knew many people and loved you all. I know he was pleased that all the teams were unified as one, giving up their rivalry for single moments, while they remembered Kirk. This would be exactly what he wanted and is smiling down that he had a hand in it. Thank you.